Explosives precursors and poisons licences: application guidance
Guidance for the public on how to apply for a licence to acquire, possess or use poisons or explosives precursors.
Documents
Details
If you want to acquire, import, possess or use certain chemicals, poisons or explosives precursors, you must have a valid explosives precursors and poisons (EPP) licence issued by the Home Office.
Make sure all scanned proof of address and identity documents for your EPP application are properly countersigned. Missing or incorrect signatures will delay your application.
This document gives guidance to the public on:
- which substances you need an EPP licence for
- offences and penalties for not having a licence
- how to apply for an EPP licence
- how to renew, replace or amend a licence
- licence costs
- who needs a certificate of good conduct
Updates to this page
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Updated to reflect a change in the application process.
Update history
2025-10-16 15:03
Contact details have been updated.
2025-10-15 15:37
Updated guidance to explain how to correctly countersign supporting documents.
2025-05-21 11:40
Updated to reflect a change in the application process.
2025-02-13 16:55
Section ‘Application process’ updated.
2023-05-19 10:10
Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.